SAN ANTONIO, TX (January 13 , 2021) – Abu Garcia and the Association of Collegiate Anglers announce the renewal of their partnership for the 2021 Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. The continued support will consist of promotion of the Berkley and Abu Garcia Student Angler Program, as well as Abu Garcia’s presenting sponsorship of the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year program presented by Abu Garcia.

“Abu Garcia is all about anglers who Fish To Win, and nowhere is that more prevalent than with the Association of Collegiate Anglers and the many student athletes who have competed in their series,” said Jon Schlosser, Sr. Vice President of Marketing. “We are excited to continue our partnership in 2021 and to further support competitive anglers as the presenting sponsor of the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year program,” added Schlosser.

“Abu Garcia continues to prove year after year that they are dedicated to growing the future of the sport through youth anglers,” said Wade Middleton, ACA Director and President of CarecoTV. “That dedication is evident in the brand’s sponsorship of this series for the past 15 years and its support of the School of the Year program.”

The Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia is a year-long chase to be crowned the number one team in the nation for collegiate bass fishing. ACA staff maintain the comprehensive ranking system on a week-to-week basis, updating the rankings as events are contested. As part of this race, teams from California, to Michigan, all the way down to Florida, compete in as many events as possible to earn valuable points. Abu Garcia’s presenting sponsorship provides the Top 3 teams at the end of the year with a lucrative payout to purchase new products for their anglers.

“Collegiate bass fishing is growing among participants and followers of the sport. This partnership provides Abu Garcia the unique opportunity to support these athletes and the growth of the sport,” stated VP of Marketing Communications, Marc Kempter. “Abu Garcia is a leader in innovation, and in 2021, our 100 year anniversary, we look forward to equipping Collegiate Bass anglers with the products that will help them win at this level and move on to the next.”